Changeable sign



Dec. 7 1926. 1,609,989

, R. N. CHUBB CHANGEABLE S IGN Tiled Sept. 23, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR I ATTORNEY Dec. 7 1926.

R. N. CHUBB CHANGEABLE SIGN Filed Sept. 25, 1924 2 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 7, 1926.

warren srATEs PATENT orrice.

ROVJLAND N. CHUBB, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

CHANGEABLE SIGN.

Application filed September shutter. or the like, capable of being moved to open or closed position with regard to its opening. Such signs have a so-called flat appearance and'are not particularly attractive as compared with the usual nonchangeable luminous signs. 7

it is, therefore, another object of the invention to provide a changeable sign having all of the advantages of the last mentioned type of sign, but in which the elements which go to make up a letter actually stand out from the usual dark background.

in luminous signs of the character above mentioned, extreme care must be exercised, in the design and manufacture, to prevent the casting of shadows and it is necessary in such signs that a large number of closely spaced lamps be employed to insure an v evenly luminous appearance.

It is, therefore, another object of the invention to provide a changeable sign in which fewer lamps need be used and in which shadows cast by parts internally of the sign do not manifest themselves on the luminous face of the sign.

Another object of the invention is to provide for close spacing of the multiplicity of movable elements which make up a letter or character.

Still another object of the invention is to" 23, 1924. Serial No. 739,291.

Figure 1 is aview in front elevation of a po'rtion of a sign builtin conformity with the invention, the sign having the letter E set up;

Figure 2 is a view in vertical section thereof on a line. 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in rear elevation of a fragment of the sign shown in Figure 1; 3

Figures is a View in section thereof seen on a line et4l of Figure 1; showing oneof the movable elements of the sign in open position F igure' 5 is a similar view showing the same element in closed position;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view in rear elevation of a fragment of a sign which is a slight modification of the one shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a view in front elevation of another form of the invention, showing the letter C;

' Figure 8 is a view in vertical section on an enlarged scale of one of the movable ele- :nents thereof;

Figure 9 is a similar view of a modified form of the element shown 111 Figure 8.

F1gure 10 1s a view 111 horizontal section of a modified form of the invention embodying a different movable element.

Figure 11 is a view infront elevation of a fragment of a modified form of the invention, to be used either as a sign or instructive toy.

Figure 12 is a view in section, on a larger scale, as seen on a line 1212 of Fig. 11. V More specifically, in carrying out my invention in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to inclusive, I employ a face plate 10 which is provided with a plurality of closely and equally spaced apertures 11. Preferably the apertures are rectangular and elongated vertically. The apertures are separated only by the comparatively narrow strips 12 of metal which remain when the apertures are struck out. In con formity with a salient feature of the inven- .tion, the metal removed to form an aperture i divided centrally into two portions or ears 14c and 15, respectively. Said ears are left attached to the plate and bent as at 16 and 17, respectively.

Foreach aperture there is provided a movable element 18 which resembles a hollow cylinder having a portion cut away as at 19, In addition to the cut-away portion 19, said cylinder is provided with an opaque portion 21 and an unaltered portion 2:2. The cylinder "tornied of a translucent material such glass and, therefore, the portion will appear luminous when the interior space 23 oi the cylinder is illuminated.

The cylinders each include a top wall 2d and a bottom wall 25, each having an openin assembling a sign, each of the cvlinders is titted in between corresponding aperture 28 and a single wire or rod is er tic-ally arranged and passed through alined apertures and will serve to hold a plurality oi" cylinders each in oscillatable position ithin the corresponding aperture of the taco plate. the cylinders may be individually or collectivel moved so that the light portion of each is visible from the front of the face plate. :lu such position each cylinder will appear as a slight but particularly visible convexity on the front surface oi the plate. l hen a cylinder is turned about one-third of a revolution in the correct direction the da kened or coated portion only will be exposed to view. and such darkened portion will be practically inapparent to an observer.

Since the dis eter of a rectangular aperture is ess th the diameter ot a c linder, is olhxious that there can no no direct line of v sion into the interior space 30 of the the .2-.erior, along the vertical ns 31 or an aperture. Light is from escaping between the ends inders and 1e corresponding horigins 32 or the apertures, because oi the fact that each ear is bent over as at The sign should include a box 34: having a mevented the c ll; 3:). m, 04 and 00, respectively, the '22 providing the trout wall. Within the space 30 enclosed by the box suitable l"'i"),= 33) are pro ed. The inner surfaces 0 d "'ctrrably reflective b V from the lamps and strilx. g the walls will be integrated and eventually allowed to pass out through the .rertai'igular apertures.

in order to best explain the action and iulvanta 'es ot the movable members or cylinders, attention is called to Figures l and of-the drawings particularly. When the cylinder moved to the position shown in Figure, l, light may find its way into the interior oft-he cylinder and thence escape 'lheret'ore, each and all ot' through the translucent portion which is alinecl with the aperture, 'lfhe exposed translucent portion of a cylinder, so illuminated, would be particularly visible at ni ht and would be recognized instantly as hen 5 convex in profile.

it will be noticed particularly that light enters the interior of a cylinder sidewise and usually after it has been reflected from one oi the reflective surfaces oithe box. Those translucent portions of cylinders coining iinn'iediately in front of an Any letter or character is set up by inor- 7 ing the correctcylinders into open position.

Movement oi a cylinder is accomplished merely by brushing a linger across the protruding opaque part thereof, in a line cross-- ing the axis rotation. To limit movement of a cylinder in either direction each cylinder is provided with stops to. In setting up the letter ill, for instance, as shown in Figure l, the first horizontal stroke of the letter E is made by brushing a linger horizontally over ten successive cylinders. The operation is extremely simple and any letter, hg ure or character may be so formed. By virtue of the true white appearance of the glass employed the sign they be seen as readily in daylight without illumination in the form of the invention shown in Figure 6, the cylinder is provided with rounded ends, as at and i3, and may be said to be oi capsule shape. The aperture in said einbodin' ent is correspondingly rounded at its ends. Therefore it may be said that the aperture is of less diameter than the cylinder both horizontally and vertically. Each cylinder therefore thoroughly covers the corre-' spending opening and prevents direct leakage oi light rays. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the movable elements are in the form of hollow spheres lf), rather than cylinders. Each sphere 1s provided with an opening 46' able signs in which the apertures are actually.

uncovered, shadows and shadow-caStingportions of the interior of. the s gn nterfere lit) face. Each aperture is truly circular andofless diameter than the spherical movable member. In Figure 7 the spheres are shown as arranged in lineal formations both vertically and horizontally and are evenly spaced vertically and horizontally. The letter C, for example, may be set up as shown. A great variety of arrangements of circular objects and openings are known to those skilled in the art of forming letters, and any of the known arrangements may be employed in constructing the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Inthe form shown in Figure 9 a solid glass ball 60 is employed. Said ball is provided with an opaque portion 61 which may be moved to close the opening against passage of light rays. Then the opaque portion is moved to the position shown, then the trans lucent portion of the ball is visible for- \vardly of the sign. Light falling on the rear portions of the ball will be diffused in passing through and the forward visible part of the'ball will have a characteristic glow. The ball is turned from translucent to opaque position merely by sweeping a finger across the exposed surface.

In the form of the invention shown, in Fig. 10, the movable member comprises a V arrangement of two walls 7 0 and 71, respectively; such arrangement providing an open interior triangular space 73. Said walls are joined by top and bottom walls respectively, such as 72. The unit is preferably translucent and is so arranged within the aperture 11 that both the walls and 71 act as their own stops. all 70, for instance is left clear and translucent, while wall 71 should be coated. The interior space may be illumined by indirect illumination, and said space will be substantially shadowless. as in the case of the other light integrating units.

In Figures 11 and 12 I have shown and illustrated the upper left hand corner of a simple embodiment of my invention. In said embodiment I provide 'a frame having a plurality of parallel wires or shafts 81 vertically arranged. On each shaft there are strung a plurality of cylinders 82. The shafts are riveted at their ends, as at 81. The cylinders are preferably solid and complete; one half 82 of the cylinder is to be black or dark. while the other half 82 should i be light or white. Letters visible by daylight or lamplight, may be set up as in previously described signs by turning the requisite portions uppermost. The en'ibodiment shown in Fig. llis well adapted as an instructive toy for children to assist them in mastering the alphabet and formation of letters, or the embodiment maybe used as a sign. plate is needed because of the close arrange mentof the cylinders.

While I have shown and described specific constructions and arrangements. of parts, and while I have shown specific shapes and specific means for mounting the movable members, I do not limit myself to any specific constructions or arrangements of parts or to any specific shape or mounting for the movable members, and I may use any'corr structions, arrangements, shapes or mountings, without enlarging the scope of my invention, within the appended claims.

I claim as my invention 1. In a sign of the character described, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures, members, one for each aperture, each movably mounted in alinement with a corresponding aperture, an opaque portion to each of said members adapted to be positioned, by proper movement of the member, to prevent passage of light rays through the corresponding aperture, and a translucent portion to each of said members adapted to be moved into alinement with the corre sponding aperture, each of said members being a hollow body formed with an opening for the direct admission of light rays to the interior thereof.

2. In a sign of the character described, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures, members, one for each aperture, each movably mounted in alinement with a corresponding aperture, an opaque portion to each of said members adapted to be positioned, by proper movement of the member, to prevent passage of light rays through the corresponding aperture, and a glass translucent portion to each of said members adapted to be moved into alinement with the corresponding aperture, ea h of said members being a hollow body formed with an opening for the direct admission of light rays to the interior thereof. I

In a sign of the character described, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures, for each aperture a glass member oscillatably mounted behind the aperture, and an opaque portion to said member, adapted upon movement of said member to be moved into a positionto close the aperture against passage of light rays.

4. In a sign of the character described, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures, for each aperture a translucent member oscillatably mounted behind the aperture, and an opaque portion to said member, adapted upon movement of said member to No face lilil v the rear of the plate when a non-opaque portion of the member is visible at the front of the plate through the corresponding aperture.

5. In a sign of the character described, a

" plate providedv with a plurality 0t apertures,

for. each aperture a glass member oscillatably mounted behind the aperture, and an opaque portion to said member, adapted upon movement of said member to be moved into a position to close the aperture against passage of lightrays, each member being provided with a light integrating cavity arranged to be disposed to the rear of the plate when a non-opaque portion oi the member is visible at the front of the plate through the corresponding aperture.

6. A plate provided with a plurality of apertures, an o'scillatable member for each aperturehaving a circular cross section and arranged to protrude convexly through the corresponding aperture, an opaque portion to said member whereby the member may be moved to bring the opaque portion in alinement with the corresponding aperture to prevent passage of light rays, and a translucent portion to said member.

7. A plate provided with a plurality of apertures, an oscillatable glass member for each aperture having a circular cross section and arranged to protrude conveXly through the aperture, an opaque portion to said member whereby the member may be moved to bring the opaque portion in alinement with the corresponding aperture to prevent passage of? light rays, and a translucent portion to said member.

8 A plate provided with a plurality of apertures, an oscillatable member for each aperture having a circular cross section and arranged to protrude convexly through the corresponding aperture, an opaque portion to said member whereby the member may be moved to bring the opaque portion in alinement with the corresponding aperture to prevent passage 01" light rays, and a translucent portion to said member, said members each being a hollow body having a portion of its wall removed to provide an aperture for the direct admission of light to the interior.

9. A plate provided with a plurality of apertures, an oscillatable glass member for ach aperture having a circular cross section and arranged to protrude conveXly through the corresponding aperture, an opaque portion to said member whereby the member may be moved to bring'the opaque portion in alinement with the corresponding aperture 'to prevent passage of light rays, and a translucent portion to said member, said members each being a hollow body having a portion of the wall removed to provide an aperture for the direct admission of light to the interior. a r

10. In a sign ot the character described, a plate provided with a plurality ot apertures, an oscillatable member for each aperture mounted oscillatabl'y immediately behind said aperture and protruding through the aperture whereby it may be oscillated by frictional engagement with an object passed across the exterior surface of the platepsaid members each including an opaque portion capable of closing the aperture against passage of light rays, each member also including' a translucent portion capable of appearin the full area of an aperture.

11. In a 0t thecharacter described, an opaque plate provided with a plurality of lineal groups of apertures, a shaft centrally arranged behind each lineal group, and oscillatable members one for each aperture, independently oscillatableon said shaft and each visible through a corresponding aperture, a portion of said member being opaque and another portion of said member being-translucent. a V

12. In a sign of the character described, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures, a revoluble translucent member for each aperture occupying the aperture in full and having an opaque portion adapted by movement of said member on its axis to be dlsposed to close the corresponding aperture against the passage 01 light rays.

13. In a sign, a plate provided with a plurality of apertures a plurality of translucent members, one for each aperture and means for revolubly holding the members in corresponding apertures; said means and members so arranged that any appreciable light can pass-through the complete sign only by way ofthe translucent members; each translucent member having an opaque area so arranged that the member may be revolved to dispose the opaque areato prevent passage of light forwardly through the area occupied by the member.

ROWLAND N. CHUBB. 

